Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 10
Nārada Explains the Allegory of King Purañjana
Deha–Indriya–Manaḥ Mapping and the Remedy of Bhakti
खद्योताविर्मुखी चात्र नेत्रे एकत्र निर्मिते । रूपं विभ्राजितं ताभ्यां विचष्टे चक्षुषेश्वर: ॥ १० ॥
khadyotāvirmukhī cātra netre ekatra nirmite rūpaṁ vibhrājitaṁ tābhyāṁ vicaṣṭe cakṣuṣeśvaraḥ
「カディヨーター」と「アーヴィルムキー」と名づけられた二つの門は、同じ場所に並んで造られた両眼である。「ヴィブラー ジタ」という町は形（ルーパ）を意味すると知るべきである。かくして視覚の主は常にさまざまな形を見ている。
The two eyes are attracted by brilliant things like light. Sometimes we find that little insects are attracted by the brightness of fire and thus enter into it. Similarly, the two eyes of the living entity are attracted by bright and beautiful forms. They are entangled in these forms, exactly as the insect becomes attracted to fire.
FAQs
This verse explains that vision is not merely mechanical—forms are illumined through the eyes, and the “cakṣuṣeśvara,” the presiding lord of sight, enables perception.
The firefly’s light appears from a specific source (its mouth), illustrating how perception depends on an enabling principle—likewise, the eyes are instruments through which the power of seeing becomes manifest.
Recognize that perception is limited and dependent; use the senses responsibly and cultivate devotion and discernment rather than trusting appearances as ultimate truth.